So Ive been going back and forth in my head about making this post. Of course human connection is extremely important to longevity. But its been hard to focus on longevity when we look around at what we are trying to live vibrantly for. At least me anyway. I’ve had some time to simmer in this idea for a bit and at the end I’ve come out the other side knowing even more so that it is precisely when we stare in the face of adversity that it is the exact time when we as humans need connection.
Connection can be very intimate beyond sexual, can it be a small moment where a recipe is shared, or a meme, or a “hey you, Ive been thinking about you, how are you?” It can even be an invitation to share a meal you’ve made.
I recently watched a documentary on Spain and saw a clip about human towers as a cultural tradition involving members of communities with the very young and the old. The commentator was overwhelmed with emotion and truth be told so was I, inexplicably. Until I stopped for a moment to process why this had me verklempt. It was the energy of connection towards a common goal. A sense that together we can do anything. I have the same exact feeling when singing in a choir.
Human connection significantly enhances everyday life by fostering vibrancy, which manifests as energy, engagement, and fulfillment. Here’s a structured breakdown of its impact from the inside out:
1. Emotional Well-Being
Stress Reduction: Supportive relationships buffer against stress, lowering cortisol levels and freeing emotional energy for positive engagement.
– Shared Joy: Celebrating achievements and moments of happiness with others amplifies positive emotions, creating a sense of collective vitality.
– Resilience: Strong connections provide emotional scaffolding during challenges, enabling quicker recovery and sustained optimism.
2. Mental Stimulation
– Cognitive Engagement: Conversations and debates spark curiosity, creativity, and intellectual growth, keeping the mind active and alert.
– New Perspectives: Exposure to diverse ideas through social interactions enriches problem-solving and broadens worldviews, adding dynamism to daily life.
3. Sense of Belonging
In a world where were can feel increasingly isolated having a renewed sense of belonging is a balm
– Purpose and Motivation: Feeling valued within a community or group fosters commitment to shared goals, driving proactive participation in life.
– Identity Reinforcement: Connections affirm personal and cultural identities, grounding individuals in a sense of stability and confidence.
4. Physical Health
– Health Benefits: Social ties correlate with improved immune function, longevity, and reduced risk of chronic diseases, enhancing physical vitality.
– Energy Boost: Positive interactions trigger neurotransmitters like oxytocin and dopamine, elevating mood and energy levels.
5. Personal Growth
– Encouragement to Explore: Friends and mentors inspire risk-taking and learning, infusing life with novelty and growth opportunities.
– Accountability: Support networks foster habits aligned with well-being, such as exercise or mindfulness, through mutual encouragement.
How do we create connection:
– Joining a hobby club sparks creativity and camaraderie.
– Family rituals create shared joy and stability.
– Workplace collaboration drives innovation and satisfaction.
-Monthly small dinner parties with neighbors or a small work crew
-make a pie for a new neighbor or share some extra vegetables or fruits from your garden
-help someone in need cross the road or catch a bus or taxi
-call a friend or someone you havent heard form in a while to say Hi or share a joke
In essence, human connection weaves emotional, mental, and physical threads into a vibrant tapestry of lived experience, transforming routine into engagement and isolation into communion. Some cultures, societies and individuals foster connection through dance, rituals, religion, a gift, a conversation, a smile or an innocuous act of kindness. Find a connection at least once a day! Live Vibrantly.
Dr. Tammy Haynes 
Leave a comment